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Smoked chicken breast recipe served hot and sliced on wooden board

Irresistible Smoked Chicken Breast Recipe Juicy, Tender

amanda
A juicy, flavorful smoked chicken breast recipe that’s beginner-friendly, perfect for meal prep, and packed with smoky depth.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course 🟨 Chicken Meal Prep Recipes
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 290 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6–8 oz each)
  • 4 cups water for brine
  • ¼ cup kosher salt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper optional
  • Wood chips apple, hickory, or cherry

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl or zip-top bag, dissolve ¼ cup salt in 4 cups cold water. Submerge chicken breasts and refrigerate for 2–4 hours.
  • Preheat smoker to 225°F and prepare wood chips (apple, cherry, or hickory).
  • Remove chicken from brine, rinse, and pat dry. Rub with olive oil.
  • Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and cayenne. Rub evenly onto chicken.
  • Place chicken on smoker grates. Insert thermometer into thickest part. Smoke 1.5–2 hours until internal temp reaches 165°F.
  • Remove and let rest 5–10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Use apple wood for a milder smoke or hickory for a bold BBQ flavor. Resting is key for juicy results.

Nutrition

Serving: 1chicken breastCalories: 290kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 45gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 130mgSodium: 550mg
Keyword BBQ, chicken breast, gluten free, low carb, meal prep, smoked chicken
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